The hand-built British sports car will be available in the United States this summer as a model year 2019.

Aston Martin Vantage

The hand-built British sports car will be available in the United States this summer as a model year 2019.

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There's one robot in the Aston Martin factory, and its name is Bond ... James Bond.

Otherwise surrounded by the whirring sound of hand-crafting via sewing machines, the duty of this automated mechanism is to meticulously adhere (or 'bond') the windshield onto each of the British automaker's new Vantage model two-seater sports cars. Taking visual cues from the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan as well as the DB10 prototype produced exclusively for the most recent 007 film Spectre, the distinctive design language of the Vantage showcases muscular flanks and an aggressive predatory stance.

Pop open the hood (from the passenger side of the vehicle), and you'll find Aston Martin's potent new alloy, 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine situated for optimal center-of-gravity and 50:50 weight distribution. Paired with an 8-speed ZF transmission, the car offers 503 horsepower with 505 lb-ft of torque while conveniently featuring three drive modes (Sport, Sport+, and Track) and quickly accelerating 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 195 mph.

Elegant clean lines, ultra-slim LED lights, a mesh S-curve front grille, and 'hidden waist seals' (which make window glass look as though it disappears straight into the body of the car) create an unmistakable graphic presence for the iconic brand's vehicle hand-built in England. A front splitter directs airflow underneath the car, and side gills draw air pressure out from the front wheel arches thereby generating a significant level of downforce and reducing drag.

The aggressive nature of the driver-focused cockpit is denoted by sharp, focused lines; and the interior is adorned with luxurious Alcantara® as well as hand-stitched leather as each individual car is sewn entirely by one seamstress. The interior also offers significant gains in occupant space, improved headroom, and generous stowage space with double-tier storage areas and useable room behind the seats. A combination of rotary and toggle style controls for HVAC and PRND transmission buttons are clustered intuitively, and fixed paddle shifters facilitate up and downshifts without the driver having to reposition his or her hands on the steering wheel.

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The Vantage features extensive options for personalization such as forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes, premium audio system, carbon fiber detailing, Sports steering wheel and Sports Plus seats, as well as a high level of standard equipment including keyless start/stop, tire pressure monitoring, parking distance display, park assist, and front and rear parking sensors. The in-car entertainment system is controlled through an 8” LCD screen and includes Aston Martin Audio System; Bluetooth® audio and phone streaming; iPod®, iPhone® and USB playback; and an integrated satellite navigation system.

I'm enormously excited by what we've created, says Aston Martin President Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer. A new Vantage that's more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package. A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.

Competing with the Porsche 911, McLaren 540C and Mercedes AMG GT, the new Vantage goes on sale in the United States this summer as a model year 2019 with a starting price of $149,995.

Beautiful Won't Be Tamed - The New Vantage | Aston Martin | RankinThe new Aston Martin Vantage has made its global debut with a unique portfolio of imagery and film by Rankin, one of the most influential photographers of our generation.